Emerald Bay Maritime Heritage Trail - Barge Site is a both dive site in California, United States with depths of 3–12.2 m (10–40 ft). Typically most favorable Jul–Aug · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Signal crayfish (crawdad), Rainbow trout, and Tahoe sucker. Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.
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Site hazards: High-altitude dive (lake elevation over 6,000 ft)
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Best: WedFavorable windowModerate window— no window
First light 5:26 · Sunrise 5:56 · Sunset 20:17
Source: Open-Meteo wind · graded 4h ago
Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.
Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.
No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.
Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.
What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.
July and August havetypically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.
Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.
Species noted at this site — not a promise of what you’ll encounter.
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The Historic Barge Site is the anchor of the Emerald Bay Maritime Heritage Trail, California's first underwater maritime heritage trail, opened by California State Parks in October 2018 within the Emerald Bay State Park underwater area (designated 1994). Two massive Ponderosa-pine lumber barges — once towed by steamers to haul cordwood and ferry cars — rest in about 10-40 ft of water off the bay's southeastern shore, the more intact southern barge measuring over 100 ft long, alongside a historic resort-era dump site. The collection is part of the largest, most diverse group of sunken small watercraft in their original location known in the nation; all artifacts are protected by state law. Access is advised by boat due to the remote location, and the over-6,000 ft altitude plus year-round frigid water demand proper planning.
High-altitude dive (lake elevation over 6,000 ft) — State Parks explicitly reminds divers to follow altitude diving practices; extreme cold water year-round; heavy summer tour-boat and recreational boat traffic in Emerald Bay; fragile protected archaeological site — all artifacts are protected by state law and must not be touched, moved or removed; soft silt bottom is easily stirred up; remote location far from emergency services.
Emerald Bay Maritime Heritage Trail - Barge Site has a depth range of 3–12.2 metres (10–40 feet). Check the dive site page for current conditions and any depth-specific guidance before planning your dive.
The best time to dive Emerald Bay Maritime Heritage Trail - Barge Site is typically Summer and early fall (June-September) when Hwy 89 is open, boats can launch and surface conditions are calm; the bay is remote and effectively inaccessible in winter.. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.
Divers at Emerald Bay Maritime Heritage Trail - Barge Site in United States commonly report sightings of Signal crayfish (crawdad), Rainbow trout, and Tahoe sucker. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.
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